AIR CARG O WEEK


WEEKLY NEWS This dual strategy reflects pressure on the capital’s existing


airport. Azerbaijan’s tourism sector is expanding, fuelled by events such as Formula 1 and winter tourism in Shahdag. “As in any capital, you need at least two airports,” Dbila argued.


Sustainability as a test case If Alat is to make its mark, sustainability will be central. Dbila calls it a “green airport” project, with sustainability designed in from the outset. “Every flight begins at the airport… two miles of road takes you nowhere, but two miles of runway takes you everywhere,” he said at the Caspian Air Cargo Summit 2025. “That is why we decided to construct a new green airport in our area.” The challenge, he admits, is that there are no unified international


standards for sustainable airports. ICAO offers guidelines on airline emissions, but


little on airport operations. “Airport operations


cover approximately three percent of pollution. Aircraft operations — landing, take-off, taxiing — consume 57 percent, and road transport 40 percent,” he said, citing a study of 400 airports. “We, as airport operators, can reduce only 3 percent, but we must prepare the field for airlines to reduce their 57 percent.” The roadmap involves six steps: policy establishment, planning infrastructure, of


green procurement sustainable low-emission ground


construction equipment,


methods, operational


standards on waste management and biodiversity, and incentives for eco-friendly partners. Construction choices reflect this. Green building materials, low-


energy lighting, water conservation and biodiversity protection are all built into the design. Solar generation is planned: Azerbaijan’s solar potential is 50 percent higher per square metre than the European average. Most ground equipment will run on electric power; minimal diesel units will be replaced with biodiesel. Noise is another consideration. The airport is located 6.5 km from


Alat (12,700 residents) and 26 km from Salyan (881 residents). “We think the noise contour will not exceed 60 decibels at the edge of the city,” Dbila said. The goal, he stresses, is not abstract. “Alat airport should be


the benchmark for sustainable operations in the region. We will continue cooperation with ICAO and stakeholders for continuous improvement stewardship.”


and long-term commitment to environmental


Alat’s place on the map Lars-Gunnar Comén, Director of Euroavia International and


Organiser of the Caspian Air Cargo Summit, of fers an outside view. “I believe it will be unique. How many airlines build their own


airports? Not many. Maybe initially I wondered why they do this. But now, when I see the development and how Azerbaijan and Silk Way West Airlines are growing, I think this is exactly the right time. It’s a great opportunity,” he said. For Comén, the impact goes beyond Silk Way West Airlines.


“When you create such a strong base and build up such a strong hub, it automatically puts the country in a stronger position. It creates jobs, opportunities and development for


the whole


logistics sector, not only Silk Way West Airlines.” Today, Silk Way West Airlines handles over 500,000 tonnes


annually. Dbila sets ambitious targets. “In the next three or four years, we will raise that to 1.2 to 1.5 million tonnes per year,” he said. The driver is Alat Free Economic Zone. “Ninety-five percent of


our cargo has been transit. Only 5 percent originates in Azerbaijan. With the free zone, we hope to increase that to 40–50 percent,” Jawad Dbila explained. New residents - from light industry to pharma and perishables - are expected to generate substantial flows.


Digitalisation and the operational layer Technology partners are already being lined up. Dnata, the cargo handling specialist, will run the 30,000 sq m terminal. Automation will be central. “Our cargo terminal will be more advanced than dnata’s new Amsterdam terminal,” Dbila claimed. “We are using the latest technology from Lödige. We will have a fully automated system - ASRS - at the cargo terminal.” Another innovation is in airfield lighting. “We will be the first


airport in the world to use the latest AGL technology,” he said. “It’s low energy, cable-based, and provides all the data about each lamp and substation. It’s cheap, ef ficient and supports our aim of being the first green airport in Azerbaijan.” For Bernhard Kindelbacher, CEO of ACL Airshop, which supplies


ULD Management solutions to Silk Way West Airlines, the opportunity lies in digitalisation of equipment flows. “We will support them to make sure their hub is as ef ficient and digital as possible,” he told ACW. “Airlines and handlers can use this data to make processes more ef ficient, faster, and serve customers better.” He is clear about the industry’s shortcomings. “We still use


a lot of manual processes, but not enough real-time actions. Sharing data across the chain would increase ef ficiency in each process, while giving transparency and ideas to the next partner,” Kindelbacher said.


Between promise and proof Alat’s ambition is vast. Runways and warehouses are easy to measure, but the test will be whether the new hub can deliver the connectivity, efficiency and sustainability its backers promise. There are geopolitical risks. The Middle Corridor is shaped by shifting trade flows away from Russia, with all the uncertainty that entails. Yet for Azerbaijan, the logic is clear. Control of its own infrastructure


gives it leverage over its role in global trade. “Every flight begins at the airport,” Dbila said.


05


www.aircargoweek.com


06 OCTOBER 2025 ACW


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16